Vehicle-speed signal.



` EATENTED AUG. i1, 190g, G. L. cooEEEv VEHICLE SPEED sEEzwEE`E` i No. 895,434'.

APPLICATION FILED FEBLLBD, 1909 2 sHEErs-sHEET 1.

PATBNTED AUG. 11, 1908'.

y HA 8. L0 Aw N0. IGZ. I. msm PDI OED E UBL CPI .Sr TFBM .Ln GCA mw En V? A 'UNITED STATES rarENT Carica'.-

GERGE L. COOPER, OF TROY, NEW YORK, ASSIGXOR Ol" THIRTY-FIVE ONE-HUNDREDTH Tt) JOSEPH BUSll, Ul" SCIIENEC'IXDY, NEW YORK.

l VEHICLE-SPEED SIGNAL.

No. 895 ,434A

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 11, 190s.

Application filed February 20, 1908. Serial No. 416,881.

ments ie Yehiclepeed Signals, of which the following is a specilication.

Mv lnventlon relates to nieansfor indicating, )y a visual signal or one or more series of.

such signals, variations in the speed of a trolley ear, train, motor car, or other vehicle. It also provides means for so indicating speed variations in a revolving shaft, whether in a stationary or moving apparatus. As it operates to indicate the actual rate. of movement of a car or train, whether under power or carried forward by inertia or gravity, it may be :ulvantageonsly used in connection with a certain car stop and speed signal, which forms the subject of an applieationfor'United States la'tent filed Nov. 20th, 1907 by Jos. F. Bush, Serial .\`o. 403,000. 'lhe Bush device is primarily designed to prevent. collisions by im icatiug b v visual signals, as elect ric. lamps, variations in the power applied to move n car or train. But. in pra-atico such cars, notably trolley cars, .are frequently run for considerable distances, as on down erades, without power. It is of coursey et ually necessary foi; the motor-num of a fol owing car to be'able to distinguish between a ear at rest and such a floating" car, as if thecar were moving under mechanical power. y l` will therefore tirst describe my device as adapt ed for cooperation with tht` liuslrpowcr signal, and afterward as an independent speed signal.

lt will of course he understood that, while l have shown certain simple forms in which my invent may he embodied` it is capable aigre-.it variation in modes of construction in accordance with v tried requirements and the ski!! of the engineer.

ln t-lieerawiags, Figure` l isa top )lan view 15 of a eonfrn'lm box of a trolley car; Fig. L isa vertical section thtouglrthe plane Fig. t; Fig. 3 is a partial end view ol the cnr; Figs. i and 5 are detached elevations of a portion of the device: Figs. and T are respec- 56 tively right and left end elevations of the same portion: FigA S is a partial front elevation of'tbe .same portion in modified fornr; Fig. is a greatly simplified diagram oll the wiring.'

i l l Referring first'to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings 1n which thereis shown nothingthat forms a part of this invention, 11 designates the top of a trolley car controller box and l2 the manual switch handle, which has two downwardly pro'ec-t-ing lugs 13, 14 adapted to contact, wit-l1 two concentric segments 15, I6 of conducting metal, located on and insulated from the box l1. The outer segment 16 is divided into three. contact plates, l?, 1S and 19. Mounted at each'end of the ear, and, as shown, on the dash 20, are. three electric. lamps 2]., 22, 23, differing from each other in position, or preferably in value, as color or intensity. n the presentl instance, they are shown as provided with lenses or plates of red, green and yellow, see Fig. 3.

Figs. `l to.7 of the drawings show a switch mechanism operated directiiy by the 1-uove, ment of the ear or other vehicle. in contradistinction to operation b v variations of the power applied to produce such movement.. fn the presenti instance, the switch is operated by variations in thel speed of rotation of one of the axles of the car, and preferably an axle to which no brake power ls applied, so as to obviatc possible falsification of tho signal by slipping or skidding. 3() designates a car axle, on which is securely bolted for rotation therewith a collar 3l having split arms 32 atits opposite sides, between which arms are pivoted bent levers 33, tht` free ends` of which are provided with heavy balls` 3l. 'l`he other ends of the levers 33 pass between flanges 35 ou a second collar 36, which is free asto longitudinal movement ou the axle :ttl and may or may not. rot ite therewith as preferred. l have shown this collar :ttt as of circular cross-section, but this is obviously innnaterial. lt is formed with a shoulder 3T adapted to make and break contact. between two brushes or bars 3S, 39. A spring -ltl normally holds the `shoulder 37 outI of operative. contactl with the bars. as shown in Fig. 4. For ease of application to a eompleted structure both col ars 3l, 36 are made in halves, to be bolted together as indicated.

ln the wiringr diagram, Fig. 9, 50 desig' natcs a current carrying wire, `which may be a part. of the. lighting circuit and include. suitable resistance, as inside lamps, too well k'no'wn to require description. leads to a segment l5 at' cach end of the car.

This wire. 50

... W. tw, amm,...

mcmwl,...

i 50 While i have described the device so far as 55 merely a vehicle in which my device would -60 rectly make and bseak `the circuit.

f Each segment plate 17 is connected by a wire V51-to oneof the contact bars 38, shownin Figs. 4, and 7. The other bar 39 connects by a wire 52 with a lamp 2l at each end ofthe car. The plates 18 are electrically connected by a wire '53 and each is connected by a wire 54 to one of thellamps 22. in the same way, the plates 19 are coupled by a wire 55 and each connects with a lamp 23 through a The operation of the device, in the articula-1' form described, is as follows: t is understood that the lamps or other visual signals of the device in question are additional to the usual head and tail lamps, and the ordinary route lamps of the car. Hence the absence of all of them indicates to a motor-man of a following car or any other person that the car is stationary. In this case, 2d the switch handle 12 stands in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings. Also the centrifugal device, shown in Figs. 4 ,to 7, will stand as in Fig. 4, the contact between the bars 38, 39 being interrupted. To

25 start the car, the motor-man must move the handle so as to contact the segment plates 15 and 18 at one end of the car. Current Willthen flow through the segment 15, both plates 18, these being connected, both wires 54 and both lamps 22 to earth or return line indicated at 57. The lamps 22 therefore indicate that the car is moving under less than full power. Then thecar is under full or nearly full power, the switch handle necessarily and automatically connects the plates 15 and 19. As these plates are connected by wire and each connected by a wire 56 to a lamp 23, these lamps will then be caused to glow, indicating full speed. It now the 4o motor-inancuts otf power without. braking up the car, the centrifugal balls 34 willremain in their moving position', shown in Fig. 5, so that the collar 36 connects the bars or brushes 38, 39. Current then flows through 45 wire 50, seffment 15, switch handleyplatc 17, a. wire 51, )rush 38, collar 37, brush 39, both wires 52, both lamps 21 and to return line. This indicates that-'the car istioatng", fi. e.,

. movinu ir'thout power.

a plied to a trolley car, and as employinge cctric. lamps, l have no intention of limiting it either in function or structure, except as set forth in the claims.. AThe trolley car is be particularly useful, and the electric lamp is a typical visual signal. Obviously also, thc manual controlling iortion, be it throttle-valve lever or switch ufiiille, neednolt vdit is only necessary to the broadest. view of 11R inveiition',l that the signalslie displaye e. g., the lamps lighted a d extinguished, automatically and throng i, by, or vsimultaneously with the manual "operation lt isalso clearthat the wiring maybe altered or parts omitted, to show sivnals at one end only-of a car or train, or to s .ow each set or series in- .dependcntly of the other .from opposite ends of a car. So also in regard to the device for exhibiting the no. power" speed signal, which constitutes'tliis part of my invention,

it is obvious that, so long as it isde ndentupon the mere mot;on of the car, in tne pres- ,ent instance the rotation of an axlegit maja be varied within Wide limits from the centrifugal balls and sliding collar switch shown, at least in the broadest view ot the invention.

Fig. 8- of the drawings represents a complete and inde endent speed signal, in no wise governed y the power applied. The axle 30 and the collar 36 are as already described. The metal bar 60 is of suflicient width to Contact with the A shoulder 37 through a considerable range of its travel, it-

being understood that the figure shows the device in its car at rest position, ss in Fig. 4. The bars 61, 62,' 63, properly sup orted as before in any desired manner, not s own, are arranged to contact. successively with the,

shouldered portion of the collar 36 as the lat,

ter is moved to the right of tho drawing by the gradually increasing divergence of the balls 34. By proper spacing ol? the bars 61;, 62, 63, and vcorrect adjustinentof the resistance to movement of the collar 30as by the springs 40, Figs. 4 and 5, lamps, as 21, 22, 23, to which the wires 64, 65, 66 respectively lead, may be lighted and extinguishedt any given speed of the vehicle. Thus, if the device is applied 'to a motor car, the lamp 21 may be switched into circuit practically as soon as the car starts, the lamp .22 when the speed exceeds the legal speed permitted in vcitiesand towns, say 10 miles per hour, and

the lamp 23 when theautliorized public road speed, say 2O miles, is exceeded.

It is of course understood that the ivire 67, inthe case of a gasolene or steam csr, may

lead from the bar 60 to a storage batteri', not

"rial to my inventionin the word car, as used in the claims, include an vehicle or train to which the devicecmay e advantageouslv applied. 'lho` phrase proper motion imudcs any movement`of a part in addition to its movement vwith the vehicle as a whole.

' lVhat l claim is:

l. ln vcombination with means for starting a car, a visual signal carried on said rar und vas \ I automatically controlled by said startin f means,` and an additional automatic sivni for indicating movement of the car when said starting means is in its inoperative posilion. .Z. 1li cciiiliiiiation with means for starting an eleetri`\ car, a visual signal carried on said car vand automatically controlled by said starting means, and any additional automatic signal for"indieating. movement of the car w ien said starting means is in its inoperative position.

3. In combination with means for starting an electric car, an electric signal lamp carried on said car and automatically controlled by sai'd starting means, and an additional electric lamp automatically opera-ted for indicating movementfot' the ear when said starting means is in its inoperative position.

4. 1n coinbinationwith means for varying the power applied to` a car, a plurality of visual signals for indicating such power variation carried on said cai and automatically controlled by said powervarying means, and an additional automatic signal for indicatingr movement of the car when said power varying means is in its inoperative position.

5. In combination with means for varying the power applied to a ear, a plurality of visual signals or indcatiiig suoli power variation carried on sa'id car and automatically and successively operated by said power varying means, and an additional automatic sivnal for indicating movement of the car w ien saidl power varyingt means is in its inoperative position.

6. In combination with means for varying the power applied to a ear, a plurality7 of visual signals of ditl`erent values for indicating such power variation carried on said ear and automatically controlled by said power varying means, and an additional automatic signal for indicating movement of the. car when said power varying means is in its inoperative position.

7. ln combination with means for varying the speed of a car, a plurality of visual signals or indicating such speed variation carried on said car and automatically controlled by said speed varying means, and an addi- 5o tional automatic signa-l for indicating move.-

nals ment of the. car when said speed varying means is in its inoperative position.

S. ln combination with means for varving the` speed of a car, a pluralit of visualisigor indicating such spec( variation earried on said car and automatically and successively oierated bv said speed varying means, andI anadditional automatic signal for indicating movement of the car when sofsaid speed varying means is in its inoper- `ative position.

9. n an electric cui', a controller switch for varying the speed of the car, a plurality of electric signal lamps, means whereby '65 Said lamps are. automatically operated by said switch as the speed is so varied, and an additional lamp for indicating movement of the ce1- wlien said switch is in its inoperative position.

10. In an electric car, a controller switch for `varying the s )eed of the car, a plurality of electric signal lamps, means whereb said lamps are automatically and successive y operated by said switch as the s eed is-so varied, and an additional lamp or indicating movement of the. ear when said switch is in its ino erative position.

11. n combination with means for varying the speed of a car, a plurality of visual si finals of dillerent values for indicatimlr sucl speed variation carried on said car and` automatically controlled by said varying means and an additional automatic signal of still different value'l'or indicating movement of the car when said speed varying means is in its ino erative position.

12. n combination with means for varying the speed of a car, a plurality of visual sig- `,nals of ditlerent values for indicating such speed variation and automatically and successively olperated by said speed varyin f means, an( an additionalautc'natic si fna fontindicatng movement of the car wien saitbspeed varying means is in its inoperative position.

13. In an electric car, a controller switch, a plurality of electric signal lamps, means whereby said :am )s are automatically operated synchronous v with the movement of said switch to various operative positions, an additional signal lamp, and means whereby said last named lamp is automatically operated b v the movement of the car when said switch is in an inoperativeposition.

14. ln an electric car, a controller switch, a plurality of electric signal lamps, means whereby said lamps are automatically and successively operated synchronously with the movement of said switch to various operative. positions, an additional signal lamp, and means whereby said last named lamp is .automatically operated bv thc movement of the ear when said switch is in an inoperative position.

l5. ln an electric car, a controller switch, a plurality of clectrit signal lain is ot' ditlcrent values, means hereby sai( lamps are autonnitienlly operated synchronously with the movement ol' said .switch to various operative positions, an additional signal lamp of stil ditlcrent value., and means whereby said last named lamp is automatically operated by the movement. of the car when said switch is in an inoperativeposition.

16. In an electric cnr, a controller switch, a plurality ol' electric signal lamps, means ated synchronous y with the movement of said switch to various operative positions, an additional signal lamp, and means whereby whereby said lain are automatically opcri i v .the movement of'said switch to various opercar, means whereby predetermined signals of Vso ated by the rotation of an axle when said said last named iainp is automatically operswiteh is in an inoperative position.

' 17. In an electric car, a controller switch, a plurality of electric signal lamps,VA means whereby said lamps are automatically and successively operated synchronously with ativ positions, an additional signal lamp, and means whereby said last named lamp is automatically operated by rotation of an axle when said switch is in an inoperative posit-ion.

18. In an electric car, a controller switch, a plurality of elect-rie signal lam s of differcn*l values, means whereby sai lamps are automatically o erated synchronously with the movement o said switch to various operative ositions, an additional signal lamp of still different value, and means whereby said last named lamp is automatically operated by the rotation of an axle when said switch is in an inoperative position.

19. In a car, stai-tin means, visual siglnais, one at each end of t. e car, means whereby both said signals are simultaneously `and automatically controlled by said starting means, additional visual signals, one at each end of the ear, and means whereby said lastnamed signals are simultaneously and automatically controlled by the movement of the car when said starting means is in an inoperative position.

20. In a car, startino means, visual signals, one at each end of the ear, means whereby both said signals are simultaneously and automatically controlled by said starting means, additional visual signals, one at each end of the car, and means whereby said last named signals are simultaneously and automatically controlled by the rotation of an axle when said starting means is in'; an inoperative position.

21. In a car, speed varying means, two scries of visual signals, one at each end of the each of Said series are automatically and simultaneouslv operated by said speed varying means, additional visual signals, one at cach end of the ear, and means whereby said last named signals are automatically and simultaneously controlled by the movement of the ear when said speed varyingr means is in an inoperative. position.

22. ln a car, speed varying means, two series of visual signals, one at each end of the car, means whereby predetermined signals of each of said series are automatically and simultaneously operated by said speed varying means, additional visual signals, one at eachrnd of th`e car, and means whereby said last. named signals `are automatically and simultaneously controlled by the rotation of an axle when said speed varying means is in' an inoperative posit-ion.`

23. In .an electric car, a controller switch.. two series of electric signal lamps, one at each; end of the ear, means whereby predetermined lamps o each of said series are autoinatically and simultaneously controlled synchronously with the movement of saidl switch, additional signal lamps. one at cechi end of the car, and means whereby said Lisa named lamps are autoinatieali and simultaneously controlled b the rotation of ani axle when said switch is in an inoperative position.

.24. In a car. a visual signal: and meansfor evhibitiug said signal, said means being o erative oiil when the -car is in motion nite;- out ap )lier power.

25. nua car, starting means, s. visual signal, and means for exhibiting said signal cperative only when said starting means is in am inoperative position.

26. In a car, power varying means, a. visual signal, and means for exhibiting said signal operative only when said power varying means is in an inoperative osition.

127. In an electric ear, an eiectric signal lamp, and means for switching said lairp into circuit operative only when the car is im motion withoutJ applied power. y

228. In an electric ear, Starling means,

electric signal lamp, and automatically op erated means for switchiig and lamp mi@ circuit, sind switching means being operative only when said starting means is in an inopers.-

tive position.

229. In an electric car, power varying means, an electric signal lamb, and autoinatieally operated means for switching said. lamp into. circuit, said switching means being operative only when said power varying means is in an inoperative position.

30. In an electric car, a controller switch, a second switch 'operated by a rotating artt, and an electric signal lamp controllm br both Said switclie so as to be operative only' when said controller switch is in an inoperative position.

31. In an electric car, a manual switch, am automatic switch, an electric signal lamp, and an electric circuit including said lamp and bot-h said switches said circuit being elosablo only when said manual switch is im its cut-out position.

32. In an'electric ear, a swvitch normaii-r closed when the car is not under power- :2. second switch closed when the car is in nm.- tion, an electric signal lamp, and an electric: circuit including said lamp and both mail switches.

' 33. .ln a car, visual signals, ne at each emi of the car, and means for simultaneously ehibiting said signals operative only when the car is in motion without applied power.

34. In an electric ear, electric signal lamps, one at each end of the car, and means.

BDD

Til-D I o s951434 5 circuit o ratie onl when the car is in mosaid .power controlling means is innn inoperion witiiut 'applie power. ative position.

35. In a bar, nianual power controlling means, visual signlmmwzwch end of Lh e )l car, and automatically opel-sied means for lVitnesses:

simultaneously exhibiting said signal, said A. FAIRWBATHEH, 1

exhibiting means being operative only #Qjn ummmA M. Tmnmzs'r.

GEO: L ,QQQPER- 

